The Bermuda Government is now offering one-year, renewable residency certificates for remote workers. The new program, which came into effect on 1 August 2020 pursuant to section 32 of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, is likely to appeal to those looking for a refuge from the pandemic and its knock-on effects in a safe, sophisticated and attractive environment.
Announcing the initiative, Bermuda's labour minister said the opportunity to live the island life while working remotely is aimed at "digital nomads" who are "location-independent, using technology to perform their job no matter where they are." The residency certificate is also being offered to non-Bermudian post-secondary students who will be studying online over the next year.
Application Process
To apply for the One Year Residential Certificate, an applicant must complete an online application form and submit it with the required supporting documents. The required information and documentation is included with the application form.
The application process can be completed online by visiting https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/apply.
Once the application has been submitted, the Department of Immigration will review and advise if the applicant has been successful. Successful applicants will be issued a Certificate within ten business days.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Certificate, applicants must:
- pay the $263 application fee
- be at least 18 years old
- not have been convicted of a crime in Bermuda or elsewhere
- possess valid health insurance
- demonstrate employment with a legitimate company or their own company registered and operating overseas, in the case of a remote worker
- provide evidence of enrolment in a Research, Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctorate Programme, in the case of a student
- have sufficient means and/or have a continuous source of annual disposable income which will enable an individual to sustain his or her household and lifestyle in Bermuda and overseas without the need to engage in gainful occupation in Bermuda
Benefits
As much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing a 'second wave' of Covid-19, Bermuda has effectively controlled community spread of the virus. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given Bermuda a Covid-19 risk rating of 'very low'. The few active cases on island at present are recently returned residents and visitors from abroad. Strict testing and quarantine protocols for visitors and returning residents are picking up imported cases on arrival.
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